A Getaway for Adults on the OBX
Manteo’s centuries-old setting combines family-owned shops and restaurants, historic landmarks, and storybook B&Bs. Alongside that heritage, the town also embraces what’s next, featuring The Outer Banks’ first distillery, small luxury boutiques, and stylish stores.
The beaches offer plenty of variety, from sweeping sand dunes to the famous Big Kill Devil Hill in the town of Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers first took flight—and where aviation remains part of the local tradition. Nags Head attracts hang gliders of every experience level, from long-timers to first-timers. Visitors can find miles of peaceful shoreline for walking, or drive along the beach with a 4x4 and proper permits. It is possible to discover a romantic section of coast all to yourself.
Golfers can choose from Duck Woods Country Club and its 18-hole championship course, which winds through scenic woodlands and natural wetlands. At Nags Head Golf Links, a Scottish-style course stretches beside the Roanoke Sound, offering striking views from every hole. Farther north, Sanderling Resort pairs breathtaking beachfront accommodations with fine dining.
Gardens, Golf, and More
The beauty of our golf courses may be matched only by the Elizabethan Gardens, where 10 full acres showcase flowers and flora from both the New World and Old World. This historic site takes its name from Queen Elizabeth I and has remarkable ties to British royalty. Among its treasures is an English rose bush donated by Queen Elizabeth II herself, brought directly from the royal family’s rose garden at Windsor Castle.
The Outer Banks offers plenty to explore, and the Bucket List provides more ideas for stepping outside your box.
More to Explore
History & Heritage
- National Park Week on the Outer Banks: History, Wild Places & Stories Worth Exploring — 5 min read
- Comparing 'Outer Banks' Netflix Show to the Real OBX — 5 min read
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration: What Visitors Need to Know — 7 min read
Family Fun
- Things to Do on the Outer Banks in September — 10 min read
- Flying High with Park Rangers at the Wright Brothers National Memorial — 5 min read
- Tips to Build a Beach Fire — 3 min read
Culinary
- Where to Eat on a Three Day Foodie Trip to the Outer Banks — 9 min read
- Explore the Outer Banks Brewery & Spirits Trail — 7 min read
Outdoor Enthusiast
- Sailing the Outer Banks: A Comprehensive Guide to Charters and Nautical Adventures — 3 min read
- Your Ultimate Guide to a 20-Person Kiteboarding Trip to the Outer Banks — 10 min read